Machine for



M. A. GRATSCH.

MACHINE FOR APPLYING STRAP FERRULES.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 12, 1918-.

1 ,3 1 1 ,556 Patented July 29, 1919.

3 SHEETS-SHEET I.

M. A. GRATSCH.

MACHINE FOR APPLYING STRAP FERRULES.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. I2. 1918.

1,31 1,556. 3 Patented July 29, 1919.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

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MACHINE FOR AP RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR s.

3 SHEETS-SHEET MARVIN A. GRATSCH, OF CINCINNATI,

OHIO.

' MACHINE FOR APPLYING STRAP-FERRULES.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 29, 1919.

Application filed September 12, 1918. Serial No. 253,823.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, MARVIN A. GRATsoH, a citizen of the United States, and residing at Cincinnati, in the county of Hamilton and State of Ohio, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Machines for Applying Strap-Ferrules, of which the following specification is a full disclosure.

My invention relates to a machine for compressing or crimping the ends of a flat strap and applying a cylindrical metallic tip upon the compressed ends.

An object of the invention is to prov1de a machine for efficiently and quickly applying a cylindrical tip or thimble upon the end of a flat strap.

Another object of the invention is to compress the end of a strap between plural sets of opposing dies, moving simultaneously, retracting serially in their compression .stroke, and for partially holdin the material under compression during fhe initial engagement of the tip over the compressed strap end, confining it in alinement with the tip, and preventing it from relaxing under its own resiliency to a degree detrimental t0 the free application of the tip.

Another object of the invention is to materially increase the capacity over present methods of applying tips or thimbles upon the ends of a strap and to provide a machine in which the duties of the operator are reduced to a minimum.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine in which the various actuated partsoperate in time sequence in a single'cycle of a main driving shaft, 1n which the work is clamped, its end protruding beyond the clamp. compressed or crimped, and a thimble applied over the work re leased in one cycle of operation.

Other objects will be in part apparent from the annexed drawings, in part pointed out in the following description in connection therewith.

In order that the invention may be so fully disclosed, to those skilled in the art, that they may be enabled to embody the same in the various forms and modifications to which it isreadily subject, drawings exemplifying a preferred form have been appended as a part of this, disclosure, and in such drawings like characters of ref erence denote corresponding parts throughout all the views, of which Figure 1 is a top' plan view of my improved machine for applying cylindrical metallic tips upon the ends of straps.

Fig. 2 is a front elevation thereof.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of a portion of a strip showing its end crimped and in condition to receive a cylindrical cap, and a result produced at a stage in the machine operation.

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the cap carrier and breech plunger, located at the base of the cap magazine, for receiving the crimped end of the strap and guiding the cap as it is advanced by the plunger and slipped or applied upon the crimped end of the strap.

Fig. 5 is a front elevation of the cap carrier and breech plunger.

Fig. 6 is a section on line 6, 6, Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a section on line '7, 7, Fig. l.

The machine primarily is adapted for applying a metallic cylindrical tip or thimble upon the end of a strap or band, which is subsequently flattened to provide a ferrule for the strap end. The strap being a fiat strip makes it necessary to crimp or fold. the end of the strap, so that it can be in sorted into a thimble having a diameter measuring considerably less than the normal width of the strap, especially as the mouth of the thimble converges or tapers inwardly.

Referring to the drawings, 1 indicates a base upon which the various parts of the machine are supported and mounted and the base may be secured upon the top of a table or bench as shown, so that a number of the machines may be stationed side by side.

The description of the parts will follow in the order according to the particular selected sequence of operation or relation of the one to the other, in so far as possible.

As the first ste the strap is inserted between a clamp rmly holding it in position and engaging it in the rear of the end portion to be operated upon. The clamp comprises a stationary clamp block 2 fixed to the base 1 by screws 3 passing through the clamp block and engaged into the base 1. Above the stationary clamp block 2 is a movable clamp block or plate 4, provided with a pair of suitably spaced guide pins 5, 5, slidingly engaged into respective bores in the stationary clamp block. The holes in the stationary clamp block 2, through which the screws 3 pass, are counter-bored so that the heads of the screws will be recessed into the block and a portion of each bore above the screw head pro- Vides a pocket for the springs 6' extending upwardly against the lower face of the movable clamp block and around guide pins 7 fixed to and depending from said movable clamp block. The springs 6 serve to separate the clamp blocks for releasing the strap inserted between the blocks and intermediate of the guide pins 5. The guide pins 5 are preferably spaced apart a distance equal. to the width of the strap and therefor also serve as side gages for properly centering the strap in the machine.

The movable clamp block is depressed and controlled by power actuating devices for firmly clamping the strap between the clamp jaws during a period or cycle necessary for applying the thimble and automatically released thereafter to enable the strap to be immediately withdrawn. A lever 8 is pivoted u on a bracket 9 mounted on the base 1 and as its forward end 10 engaged and bearing upon the movable clamp block 4, while its rear end is curved downwardly and carries a roller 11 engaging the periphery of cam 12 fixed upon shaft 13 located in rear of the clamp block. The cam 12 is of suitable outline to transmit the required motion to the lever 8 and hold the clamp block 4 depressed for a determined time to each revolution of the shaft 13. The shaft 13 extends parallel to the clamp block and is journaled in the bearings 14, 14, integral with the base. A pulley '15 is loosely mounted upon one end of the shaft and is coupled to the shaft by a clutch 16 controlled by a clutch lever 17. The clutch lever is actuated by a. treadle 18 connecting with the clutch lever 17 through a connect- I ing'rod 19. A detail construction of the clutch is not shown, as it may constitute any well-known type of construction common with power punch presses or similar machines limiting the rotation of the main drive shaft to a single cycle, the clutch automatically cutting out at the end of a revolution requiring it to be manually thrown in for each subsequent shaft revolution.

Preliminary strap end folder'dem'ces.

To' apply a end of a strap it is necessary to compress or crimp the end of the strap before the thimble can be applied. The crimp consists in folding the end of the strap upon itself along a central longitudinal line of the strap, enablingthe tip to be applied centrally or axially with the strap, so that it may be uniformly and smoothly compressed over the strap end. Any undue puckering of the material would tend to score the fiattened surfaces of the tip, making an objectionable finish. Therefore it has been found desirable to score the strap initially along gaging .tory to lapping or cylindrical thimble upon the its central line of fold before compressing or crimping the ends to insure an equal'lapping of the materal upon itself. Adjacent the rear side of the stationary clamp block is a reciprocating table 21 sliding upon a square guide pin 22 fixed to the base 1. A lever 23 is pivoted upon an ear 24 fixed to the base, having one end pivotally connected to the table 21 and its opposite end provided with a roller 25 engaging the peri hery of the cam 26 fixed on the shaft 27. he shaft 27 extends laterally to the main shaft 13 and is journaled in the bearings 28, 28, extending from the upper surface of the base 1. A beveled gear 29, fixed to the shaft 13, is in mesh with a beveled gear 30, fixed upon the end of shaft 27. Thus the cam 26, upon the shaft 27, at a properly timed period, raises the table 21 to a proper elevation slightly below the plane of the stationary clamp block. The lever 23 has its roller carrying end yieldingly sustained against the periphery of the cam by a spring 31 enthe lever 23 and resting upon the base 1. Above the table 21 and reciprocating relatively opposite to the table, is a scoring blade or plunger 32 slidably guided in the tubular support 33 fixed to and projecting from the bearing block 34 mounted u on the base 1. The scoring plunger 32 is plvotally connected to one end" of lever 35, pivoted to an ear 36, projecting from the bearing block 37 disposed opposite the bearing block 34. The opposite end of said lever 35 carries a roller 38 engaging against the periphery of the cam 39 fixed upon the shaft 27 adjacent the cam 26 for reciprocating the table. The scoring plunger has a chisel edge, which, as the plunger moves downwardly, centrally engages the upper surface pressing the strap against and upon the table 21, soas to kink the strap, site longitudinal edges upwardly preparafolding the end of the strap beyond the clamp block upon itself.

Oompressing or crimping devices.

After the strap endhas been secured, it is compressed or crimped by oppositely disposed plungers 41, 42, 43, 44, immediately in rear of the clamp blocks and arranged in airs moving as a unit in a strap compressing direction or retreating independently one in advance of the other, so as to hold portions of the strap compressed while the tip is being applied. The plungers 41, 42, as a pair are arranged to engage the strap from one side, while the plungers 43, 44, a'sa pair engage the strap from an opposite side. The plungers 41, 42, lie adjacent to each other and are slidably mounted in a horizontal plane in the bearing block 37, while the pair of plungers 43, 44, likewise are adjacent each other and slidably mountofv the strap ad acent the clamp blocks, de-

bending its 'oppoed in a horizontal plane in the bearing block 34 opposite to the bearing block 37. The plungers 41 and 43 are alined with each other cotiperating as one set while the plungers 42 and 44 are alined and coiiperate as a second set.

The plungers in construction are the duplicate of each other, each being mounted in its own slide-way, in its respective bearmg block, having its front or strap engaging end recessed or notched crosswise or otherwise designed to give it the proper die formation for properly shaping or molding thestrap end to receive the particular type of thimble.

In this instance, the plungers as forming dies, fold or crimp the strap into a rounded shape to receive a cylindrical thimble. The opposite end of the plungers each is provided with a roller 66 constantly engaging under the influence of a spring 67, against the periphery of a cam of particular outline. Plunger-s 41, 42, respectively, are actuated by the cams 45, 46, fixed upon the shaft 4 27, while the plungers 43, 44, respectively,

are actuated b cams 45, 46, fixed on a shaft 47, parallel wlth the shaft 27 and mounted in the bearings 48 on the base 1. The shaft 47 has a beveled gear 49 fixed on one end thereof, in mesh with a beveled gear 50 fixed on the end of shaft 13. The cams 45, 45, on the shafts 27 and 47 are duplicates, and likewise cams 46, 46, on said shafts are duplicates, and are of such cam outline and arrangement as will cause all of the plungers to move simultaneously in a compressing stroke, with the cams 46 permitting a retreat of the plungers 42, 44, in advance of the plungers 41, 43. The plungers are positioned so that their die ends will centrally compress the strap therebetween.

Tip applying means.

as a tip guard for guiding the tips into the bore of the barrel. The tips are arranged in a superposed relation, one to the other, and fed in sem'atim by gravity, after the lowermost tip of the tier has been discharged. The tip is fed forwardly within the bore of the barrel by a push bar or plunger 56, telescopically slidin within the barrel axially with the bore 0 the barrel. The rear end of the tip feeding plunger 56 is provided the clampin with a roller 57 constantly engaged against the periphery of the cam 58, fixed upon the shaft 13. A spring 59 isinterposed between the barrel 51 and the shoulder 60, formed on the rear end of the plunger 54, for yieldingly maintaining the plunger in engagement with the cam 58. The barrel 51 at relatively opposite sides is provided with angle brackets 62, 62 each having a pin projecting therefrom to receive a spring 63 interposed between an angle bracket 62 and the rear side of the bearing block 52 for yieldingly forcing the barrel to its normal tip leading position. The tip within the barrel is fed forward within the barrel by the plunger 56,- which action raises the latch pawl 55 to clear the barrel bore. After the plunger has been advanced within the barrel to bring its shoulder into abutting engagement with the rear end of the barrel, both barrel and plunger move as a unit.- The forward end of the barrel then houses the ad-- vancing tip as it is being forced upon the compressed end of the strap. The plunger 56 as it is fed forward, supports the tier of tips until returned to its normal osition which allows the tier of tips to escend, bringing a second tip in position within the barrel in front of the plunger. The plunger 56 has a pin 65 extended therethrough with its ends engaged into a longitudinal slot in the barrel.

Mode of operation.

The strap end is inserted between the clam blocks, its free end protruding from the 0 amp and extended to engage the end of the barrel 51, after which the clutch treadle is tripped, coupling the pulley 15 to the shaft 13 for imparting one revolution to said shaft, and transmitting one revolution to the shafts 27 and 47.

The various cams are set on their respective shafts to operate their actuated parts in a properly timed sequence and for the deter- ,mined period required. The cam 12 actuates the lever 8 for depressing the movable cam block and holds the same depressed during the entire period. Immediately following of the work, the coiiperating table 21 an .scoringblade 32 are brought together, the blade engaging the work centrally causing the edges of the work to be formed or'fiexed upward, whereupon the opposite plunger dies are actuated to compress the work from its fiat condition into rounded form, the blade 32 and table 21 retreating before the plunger reaches the end of its compressing stroke. After the work has been compressed to receive the thimble, the plunger 65' moves forward, advancing the thimble within the barrel until the plun' ger engages with the barrel, whereupon both arrel and plunger as a unit travel together, the plunger then serving as a breech for the barrel anvancing the thimble over the free compressed endof the work. .Tle first set of plungers quickly retreat with the advancev confines it against expansionas'the-tip Witllin the barrel is being formed over the strap end. After the barrelhas advanced over the end of the strap, theseco'nd set of plunger dies quickly retreat for barrel clearance, permitting the barrel to move its-full stroke, whereupon it. is released by tlie oam and automatically returned bygthe' spring 63. After the thimble has been applied, the clamp is released, so that the upper strap end is free to bemanually withdrawn and the machine is in condition for a subsequent operation.

It is obvious that the location and arrangement of shafts and cams could be variously modified and reduced in number, but as arranged they are directly connected with the work forming and applying plungers in the most simple and practical form forhigh speed results.

Having described my invention, I claim: 1. In a machine of the class described, a base, a clamp for gripping the work therebetween mounted on said base, oppositely disposed reciprocated plunger dies for compressing a portion of thework protruding from one side of the clamp, ar'idi'fir'ieans for applying a thimble upon' the compressed end of said work.

2. In a machine of the class described, a base, a clamp mounted. ,onsaid base, the work being gripped by saidclamp having a gripped free end protruding from the clamp, oppositely disposed and cooperating table and scoring blade, adapted to engage therebetween said protruding end of the work, for crimping the same, oppositely disposed cooperating dies movable transversely to said table and scoring blade for compressing the work after it has been initially 'crimped, and means for applying a thimble upon said compressed end of said work.

3. In a n-achine of the class described, a base, a clamp on said base for gripping the work therebetween with a free end protruding therefrom, comprising a stationary clamp member and a. movable clamp memher, power driven means for moving said movable clamp member, coacting work dies operating upon said free end of the work therebetween for compressing the same, and means for 'ipplying a thimble upon the compressed end of the work. i

4. In a machine of the class described, a base, a clamp mounted on said base for gripping a flat strip therebetween, oppositely disposed sets of dies moving toward each other for crimping the strip end protruding beyond the clamp, means for applying a thimble over the crimped end of the strip, and means for retreating the dies of each set s'eriatim.

5. In a machine of the class described, a base, means on said base for clamping a flat strip with its free end protruding beyond the clamping means, a plurality of dies arwhereby one relatively opposite pair of dies clamps the work while the other is released, and means for applying a tip upon the crimp portion of said work.

7. In a machine of the class described, a I

base, oppositely disposed cooperating sets of dies mounted on said base moving to compress and clamp the work disposed therebetween, means for moving said dies simultaneously in the forward work compressing direction and consecutively in opposing pairs in a retreat direction, and means for applying a tip upon said work after=compressing, comprising a tip holding barrel in alinement with the compressed work, and a reciprocating plunger within the barrel for engaging and advancing the tip over the work.

8. In a machine of the class described, a base, oppositely disposed cooperating sets of reciprocating dies mounted on said base for compressing the end of the work disposed therebetween, means for applying a tip upon the compressed end of saidv work, comprising'a reciprocating tip guiding barrel in alinement with the compressed end of said work, and a reciprocating plunger within the barrel for engaging and advancing the tip in the barrel over the compressed end of the work, and a stationary tip carrying magazine communicating with said barrel. In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name, as attested by the two subscribing witnesses.

MARVIN A. GRATSCH. Witnesses DORA DRACHENBERG, LOUISE A. BECK. 

